Doctor denied visa over disabled son

A German doctor who emigrated to rural Victoria to fill a critical doctor's shortage will be kicked out of the country because his son is intellectually disabled.

Bernhard Moeller and his family have been rejected a permanent visa on the grounds that his youngest son, 13-year-old Lukas, has Down syndrome.

"I'm so disappointed and upset," Dr Moeller told ninemsn.

"My whole family loves it here, and I believe I am providing an important service to the area."

Dr Moeller moved his family, which also includes wife Isabella and children Felix, 17, and Sarah, 21, to the town of Horsham in Victoria's west two years ago after replying to an international appeal.

He is currently the only full-time physician at the Wimmera Base Hospital, responsible for treating all internal diseases as well as supervising junior doctors.

But due to Department of Immigration rules, his family will have to vacate the country when their temporary visas expire in 17 months time because Lukas' disability means he failed the compulsory health assessment.

"Where a medical officer assesses an applicant as having a medical condition that's likely to result in a significant cost to the community ... then we must accept the decision," a department spokesperson said.

"It is designed to contain expenditure on healthcare.

"The department recognises the valuable contribution Dr Moeller has made to the community and the need for skilled professionals in rural areas, but the department must be expected to apply the relevant laws and regulations."

Dr Moeller says Lukas, who loves his adopted town and local school, would be "devastated" if the family was forced to move back to Germany.

"He definitely understands something's going on and he is worried," Dr Moeller said.

"The main reason we came here was because we wanted him to attend a good school and provide a brighter future for him."

The doctor is also bitterly disappointed that the department hasn't been open to discussion regarding his son's educational and medical needs.

"I understand that they are concerned about money, but we are more than happy to pay his own way," he said.